Lauren Whittaker Named to Becky Hammon Award Watch List

The Gonzaga star joins 24 other players on the preseason watch list for the annual basketball honor.

Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Basketball

Lauren Whittaker Named to Becky Hammon Award Watch List

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Gonzaga forward Lauren Whittaker has been named to the Becky Hammon Player of the Year Award watch list. The award recognizes the top basketball players competing outside of major power conferences.

Why it matters

The recognition highlights Whittaker's status as a premier talent after she secured both WCC Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors last season. Her inclusion showcases her impact on the national stage while representing Gonzaga in Spokane.

Whittaker averaged 19.1 points and 10.2 rebounds per game last season while shooting 58.4% on two-point attempts. She also maintained a 35.5% success rate from behind the three-point line.

The players

Lauren Whittaker

She is a Gonzaga basketball forward who earned WCC Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year honors last season.

Gonzaga University

This is a private Jesuit university located in Spokane that fields competitive NCAA Division I basketball teams.

Her Hoop Stats

This organization provides advanced statistical analysis and coverage for women's basketball players and teams.

Ines Bettencourt

She is a returning member of the Gonzaga roster who rejoined the team following recent eligibility changes.

The details

Whittaker joins a list of 25 athletes selected by Her Hoop Stats to represent the best talent outside of the ACC, SEC, Big Ten, Big East, and Big 12. Gonzaga returns 10 of its 13 players from the previous year, including Ines Bettencourt, following an exhibition victory against Westmont College.

October 28, 2026: Becky Hammon award watch list announced.
November 2, 2026: Gonzaga plays North Dakota State.
January 2027: The award list will narrow to 15 players.
February 2027: The award list will narrow to 10 players.
March 2027: The Becky Hammon Award will announce five finalists.

Season Trajectory

Whittaker is following a pattern established by former Gonzaga standout Yvonne Ejim, who previously won the Becky Hammon Award in 2024. This nomination keeps Gonzaga at the forefront of national conversations regarding the best players outside major power conferences.

Whittaker's 6'3 frame and dual-threat shooting capability solidify her role as the focal point of the Gonzaga offensive rotation. Her 19.1 points per game average serves as a key metric for fantasy analysts tracking the impact of returning roster starters.

The takeaway

The recognition of Whittaker reflects the continued depth of talent within the Gonzaga program. Fans should monitor her shooting efficiency in early games to see if she improves upon her previous three-point statistics.

What happens next

The watch list is scheduled to narrow to 15 players in January 2027 and 10 players in February 2027. Five finalists for the award will be announced in March 2027.